I'd like to know what muzzle velocities are actually being achieved with optimum handloads (most accurate) tipped with Hornady 103-gr ELD-X bullets when fired from a 6mm ARC gas gun with either an 18" or 20" barrel? Also, what kind of powder is being used with those handloads to attain the reported muzzle velocities?
6mm ARC Gas Gun Barrel Lengths and Muzzle Velocities
- Thread starter ArmoryBrat
- Start date
There are several older threads around with a lot of load data and velocity info in them. I would definitely take the time to search them up and read through them. That said, i have a PVA 20” 6ARC AR that has about 110-115 rounds down the tube so it could still be speeding up a little bit. I have just started the berger 108gr elite hunters with Leverevolution. My starting load was 28.0gr with Starline brass and i was right at 2500 fps. I then jumped to 28.5gr and velocity went up to 2560ish. I will keep creeping up slowly to 29.0gr and watch for pressure.
This is just my specific setup and just know that every barrel will be different.
This is just my specific setup and just know that every barrel will be different.
Im currently waiting on a 18” osprey. Did you get yours with a headspaced bolt? I have brand new Alpha brass ready to go once the barrel comes in.
Thanks for the responses! I've already reviewed a lot of old threads both on the "Hide" and elsewhere, and gleaned some worthwhile information from them, but not quite what I'm looking for. In addition, I've looked at bullet and powder manufacturer's charts such as the one that WeR0206 posted...but again, with the same outcome. I'm looking for real world 6mm ARC gas gun muzzle velocity data with 103-grain ELD-X tipped handloads fired from 18" and 20" barrels.
I currently have a custom 20" Bartlein (0.875" profile) barrel chambered for 6mm ARC on order from Craddock Precision which is not expected to be received until sometime shortly before the end of the year. A headspaced bolt will be received with the barrel. And like WeR0206, I too have already acquired 100 pieces of new, Alpha brass for future reloading operations. Meanwhile, I've been vacillating back and forth for some time on whether or not I should change the order to get an 18" barrel instead of one that is 2" longer. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to resolve my dilemma with the receipt of the desired information.
Based on what little information that I have been able to find on-line thus far, it appears as though a 6mm ARC handload when charged with LeverEvolution powder will propel a 103-grain ELD-X bullet with reasonable accuracy from an 18" barrel at about 2,635 fps and approximately 2,685 fps from a 20" barrel. However, I'd like to acquire and review more such data before ultimately making up my mind on this matter. I'm having trouble reconciling in my mind wether or not the extra 2" of barrel length along with an additional 50 fps increase in muzzle velocity and some extended range capability will be worth the added transport weight and some anticipated decrease in maneuverability of the rifle while hunting coyotes and whitetail deer.
I currently have a custom 20" Bartlein (0.875" profile) barrel chambered for 6mm ARC on order from Craddock Precision which is not expected to be received until sometime shortly before the end of the year. A headspaced bolt will be received with the barrel. And like WeR0206, I too have already acquired 100 pieces of new, Alpha brass for future reloading operations. Meanwhile, I've been vacillating back and forth for some time on whether or not I should change the order to get an 18" barrel instead of one that is 2" longer. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to resolve my dilemma with the receipt of the desired information.
Based on what little information that I have been able to find on-line thus far, it appears as though a 6mm ARC handload when charged with LeverEvolution powder will propel a 103-grain ELD-X bullet with reasonable accuracy from an 18" barrel at about 2,635 fps and approximately 2,685 fps from a 20" barrel. However, I'd like to acquire and review more such data before ultimately making up my mind on this matter. I'm having trouble reconciling in my mind wether or not the extra 2" of barrel length along with an additional 50 fps increase in muzzle velocity and some extended range capability will be worth the added transport weight and some anticipated decrease in maneuverability of the rifle while hunting coyotes and whitetail deer.
